Queer Representation!

Queer people have long been underrepresented in the media, and recently that has improved greatly, with the increased awareness of queer people, as well as people who come out as queer only after they've gained popularity. In this article I will be showcasing different people or characters who adequately represent the queer community in the public eye, what representation means to us, and who we look up to as role models.

Bex Taylor-Klaus

To me, representation means having aspects of your own identity shown in a positive light in the media. This can manifest in characters in TV shows or movies, or in real people with said traits who are succeeding in the forefront of the media. Representation is so important for queer people (and for any underrepresented group) because it shows that someone can be successful and queer, and that people like you can achieve your goals while being a proud queer person.

Margaret Cho

Personally, I think that Bex Taylor-Klaus is one of the best representations of queer-identifying people in the media. Bex is a trans-masculine and non-binary actor, and is also very vocal about their queer-identity. I really like how Bex is so open about their identity; they are not scared to post about being non-binary or queer, or about politics, and they embrace all aspects of themself. I relate a lot to Bex, for many reasons, and I think that they are a great example of a happy queer person, who can be an example for younger queer people.
Upon interviewing other queer people, I found that queer representation is varied and far reaching. I asked four other queer people about who they thought were good representations of the queer community in pop culture.

"[she] shows that being a queer person can look so many different ways." -August, 21

Adam Silvera

August, who is 21, stated that she considers Comedian Margaret Cho a really great representation of the queer community, and voiced that she really loves how Margaret is very honest with her material, and shows that queer people can look many different ways. August also mentioned that it is really important to have out and proud Asian representation, in order to de-stigmatize queer people in Asian communities. Margaret Cho has also done a lot of advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, which August praised her for.

Fifteen-year-old Sam told me about Adam Silvera and Emma Gonzalez, who he stated are both very passionate about representation and equal rights, "while not letting their queerness completely control them." They both have other aspects of their lives which they are passionate about and fight for, while still being openly queer. Sam also voiced his appreciation for having queer representatives who are not only white, able-bodied gay men.

Emma Gonzalez

"The queer community has [not] been and never will be one face, one identity, one life." -Sam, 15

Twenty-one year-old Mariella spoke of American fashion designer Christian Siriano. She said that she really admired his determination and quiet but strong growth to his own fashion empire. She also acknowledged a time where he helped out comedian Leslie Jones when she was looking for a designer to make her a dress to accommodate her tall stature and wide frame. When she was turned away by many designers because of her body size, after Christian Siriano got word of this, he was more than happy to help, and designed a custom dress for her. Mariella said that she admires Christian for his kindness and willingness to stand behind others in support.

Christian Siriano

Many young queer people find Hayley Kiyoko a phenomenal representation of queer people, eighteen year-old Maria, included. Maria explained that growing up in a conservative family makes it difficult to explore LGBTQ+ topics, so to see someone who is so successful, and happy being queer, is really inspiring.

"Her songs, and her embracing herself makes me want to do the same." - Maria, 18

Hayley Kiyoko

Role Models are also a very important aspect in the lives of queer people; it's really important for young people to have supportive and accepting adults who they can look up to. Many people have role models who they can relate to and who they can model their ideologies after.
August shared that her role model is her great aunt Smokey who was an out trans woman in the 70s and 80s. Smokey began transitioning as soon as she came out to her family, who were very supportive, and lived int he intersection of being a trans person and a woman of color. Her courage to be an out and proud trans-woman during a time when trans people were not accepted is something that leaves all of us in awe. August said that she thinks her great aunt Smokey would be proud to see so many trans people living their lives and being happy, as well as all of the strides we have made for the LGBTQ+ community, although we still have a long way to go.

"She received a lot of hatred and prejudice [...] but still chose to be herself everyday, unapologetically, which is the pinnacle of courage and bravery, and inspires me to live my life the same way." -August, 21

Shane Dawson

Sam told me of YouTuber Shane Dawson's positive impact on his life. Sam said that he really looks up to Shane as an aspiring filmmaker, himself, and he appreciates how Shane tackles difficult subjects with honesty, heart, and sympathy. Shane has made well for himself despite a difficult background, and struggling with mental illnesses, and he also makes sure to give back to the community, and Sam looks up to him for these reasons.

"It is incredible to see someone who greatly reflects yourself, doing so well." -Sam, 15

Role models and representation are so important for us as young people, to see ourselves in the people who are at the forefront of our media. Having someone to look up to and to guide us helps us discover ourselves is exactly what today's queer youth need. It is so freeing to see people who are like you being successful, happy, and proud to be queer.